Chicago Law Firms Provide Critical Funding for Immigrant Rights

NIJC Accepts 2012 Jones Day Gift for Justice

Partners from Jones Day LLC announced the 2012 Jones Day Gift for Justice, which will support Heartland Alliance’s National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) in its litigation efforts in the U.S. Supreme Court and the U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals. Jones Day is one of five law firms that have provided significant financial support to enable NIJC to represent individuals and advocate for the rights of immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.

“We are fortunate that Chicago’s legal community understands the importance of investing in programs that uphold due process for all,” said Mary Meg McCarthy, executive director, Heartland Alliance’s National Immigrant Justice Center. “Now more than ever, immigrants need legal assistance. Thanks to Jones Day and our other law firm partners, we can help people defend their rights and continue to fight for victories that make our immigration system more fair and humane.”

In December, NIJC received $37,500 in challenge grants for its year-end appeal from Butler Rubin Saltarelli & Boyd LLP, Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Sidley Austin LLP, and David Berten of Global IP Law Group, LLC. These grants successfully increased individual pro bono attorneys’ financial commitment to NIJC.

Jones Day’s $33,000 contribution will support NIJC’s litigation efforts to challenge irrational and unfair laws that impact immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. With the gift, NIJC will:

•    Monitor immigration cases at the U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court
•    Collaborate with pro bono attorneys, immigrant rights organizations, and academic institutions
•    Engage in representation at the U.S. Supreme Court and the U.S. Courts of Appeals
•    Support pro bono attorneys who work with NIJC on these cases.

For more than a decade, Jones Day lawyers have provided pro bono representation in more than 160 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals, and administrative immigration courts. Since 2004, Jones Day has convened NIJC’s Litigation Committee, composed of pro bono attorneys from various law firms. The committee advises NIJC on litigation priorities and strategies.  

Photo: Jones Day Partners (from right) Lee Ann Russo and Brian Murray present the Jones Day Gift for Justice to NIJC Executive Director Mary Meg McCarthy and Director of Litigation Chuck Roth.